Professional Documents
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Nawc2011 PDF
Nawc2011 PDF
NORTHERN AFRICAN
WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 Volume 19 Number 4
Squire Technologies have been supplying u Telecom quartet acquire new frequencies
We provide fraud prevention and revenue u Yemenis could lose telecom services
managed services for MVNO’s. u NASA chooses Nokia for lunar network
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Egyptian
quartet
Chadian regulator aligns
acquire new the prices of operators
frequencies The Chadian government has
taken strong measures to increase
competition in the national telecoms
The Egyptian telecoms regulator has market via the country’s watchdog..
awarded Telecom Egypt, Vodafone It aligned the intra and inter-
Egypt, Orange Egypt and Etisalat network tariffs on October 18 and
Misr new telecom frequencies for an is also preparing the introduction
estimated cost of US$ 1.1bn. of mobile number portability.
Vodafone said it acquired 40 MHz Chad’s Autorité de Régulation
of 2.6 GHz TDD spectrum from des Communications Électroniques
the National Telecommunications et des Postes (ARCEP) has made
Regulatory Authority (NTRA), with public the decision aligning the
a 10-year licence term through to “off-net and on-net” tariffs charged
2030. Payments will be through by mobile phone operators. From
instalments over three years, with now on, consumers will pay FCFA90
an initial payment of US$270m for intra-network and inter-network
upon receipt of the spectrum and calls. Operators are required to The alignment of tariffs reflects the government’s desire to increase
two other payments of US$135m apply this decision as soon as pos- competition in the national telecoms market for the benefit of consumers
due in 2021 and 2022 respectively. sible, underlines the regulator.
Telecom Egypt said that the NTRA The alignment of telecom tariffs government’s desire to increase com- ARCEP is responsible for ensuring
accepted its financial and technical reflects the government’s desire to petition in the quality of service was the definition and implementation
offer for additional spectrum sub- increase competition in the national reflected a few days earlier by the sign- of the terms and conditions for
mitted on 17 September. The com- telecoms market for the benefit of ing, by the head of state Idriss Deby, number portability and will settle
pany is expected to receive 20 MHz consumers. By applying the same of the decree on the obligation of the related disputes. It will set up, in
of spectrum in the 2,600 MHz band, rates, Airtel and Tigo will only have portability of mobile phone numbers. conjunction with telecom operators,
using TDD technology with a right quality of service as a battleground Number portability is provided for in the appropriate system to allow
of use of 10 years for US$305m, of to convince the population. article 58 of law n ° 14 of March 21, consumers to keep their numbers in
which 50% will be paid in US dollars In addition to tariff alignment, the 2014 on electronic communications. the event of a change of operator.
upon signing the contracts.
The operator said 25% of the
total value will be paid in US dollars
or its equivalent in Egyptian pounds
according to the rate announced by
Tunisia targets 2022 for 5G launch
the CBE at the time of payment no Tunisia tipped 2022 to be the year a study prepared by an international experiments will be conducted by
later than one year after signing the the north African nation launches consulting firm under the auspices the three telephone operators Tunisie
contracts. The other 25% will be commercial 5G services. of the National Telecommunications Télecom, Ooredoo and Orange.”
paid within two years. Mohamed Fadhel Kraiem, the min- Authority, the launch of 5G services The 5G technology will give access
The NTRA said the remaining 2x10 ister of communication technologies is possible only from 2022,” Kraiem to speeds far exceeding those of
MHz in the 2,600 MHz band was won and digital economy, told media that told reporters at the opening of Tu- 4G, with very short latency times
by Etisalat Misr for US$325m. “the launch of 5G services is only nisia Digital Summit in late October. and high reliability, while increasing
The regulator said this was the possible from 2022” in Tunisia. “After the launch of the specifica- the number of simultaneous
first time it used TDD spectrum “According to the initial results of tions, by the end of 2021, pilot connections per area covered.
blocks and a closed-envelope system
of bidding. The larger frequency
blocks were offered with a discount
to reflect the bigger investments in
Pawa to the people: Telkom Kenya
infrastructure required.
repackages SMS and data bundles
Telkom Kenya has recently The operator sees this new offer current pandemic,” Telkom Director,
revamped its Pawa bundles with as a commitment to providing solu- marketing, Eric Achola, said.
added value perks which include tions that address the customer’s Bundles like this have proven
SMS and mobile data at more everyday communication needs. popular with Kenyans due to their
affordable price points. “It is worth noting that SMS low prices and value for money when
Subscribers can sign up for these and WhatsApp communication are compared with separate bundles.
bundles by dialing *544# or *10# popular among the young audiences Early this year, Telkom revamped
Telecom Egypt said that the NTRA and choosing the Pawa option. You who have been actively at home its data focused bundles where
accepted its financial and technical are allowed to buy another bundle following the prolonged closure of subsribers could access up to
offer for additional spectrum before the existing bundle expires. educational institutions due to the 100% data for the same price.
SHG with ‘Zoom’ing in on debate about the necessity, and advan- but when data
is analysed
tages, of far greater change than pre-
first subsea a Global Digital viously conceived. Though a necessary
consequence of the (hopefully) limited
it becomes
information, and
D
eveloping communities, as EC H2020 SaT5G, within ESA’s healthcare industry and help ease a vital role to play in connecting
particularly the most margin- satellite for 5G Initiative has allowed some of the stress experienced communities and individuals where
alised, are playing catch up in the satcom industry to work within by medical professionals. The ever they are based.
telecommunications infrastructure. 3GPP to develop the successful inte- concern for many has been how In one such example, we donated
There are various ways that gration of satellite communications people can continue to safely solar satellite broadband con-
satellite technology can support into the 5G standards. access healthcare services, given nectivity and laptops to refugee
5G satellite connectivity services to The 3GPP identified many end social distancing measures and the settlements in east Africa. In July
lots of different locations. Extending users’ services many of which closure of GP surgeries. Technology 2019, we donated solar powered
this to include efficient content work adequately over satellite. has been adapting to this change satellite broadband to The Social
pre-positioning to edge caches The SaT5G demonstrated the and we are seeing the introduction Innovation Academy (SINA)’s Bidi
to take advantage of an inherent delivery of Ultra HD video content of video consultations. Satellite Bidi site. This is the first of three
satellite strength may require to handheld devices using Avanti’s operators are able to assist in this installations we will be donating to
some further integration work. The HYLAS satellite capacity. Using process by providing quick, reliable the refugee settlement. SINA’s site
provision of 5G service direct to multicast to stream live action and effective connectivity for is off grid, in a very remote location
consumer phones via satellite will events to multiple locations and patients to access doctors, nurses, and is now able to provide its bene-
however require considerable further to preposition popular content in pharmacists remotely. ficiaries with access to the internet
developments. This is expected caches close to edge is an area that This is particularly true for remote and an ICT lab. SINA provides
to take time for the relevant satellites will be able to support and rural areas that often do not refugees and members of the host
development work to be carried out. well. Likewise, providing backhaul have access to a formal healthcare community with access to connec-
Avanti led the SaT5G project that capacity for enhanced mobile system and often rely on small, tivity where alternatives do not exist
developed standards and prototype broadband delivered by 5G in rural, underequipped medical clinics. due to the lack of electricity and
systems to ensure seamless remote and moving locations will Satellite connectivity can enable financial means in the settlement.
integration with terrestrial 5G. require satellites. This capacity those rural clinics to have access SINA’s connected centre is being
Based on SaT5G analysis we may be the only connection; it may to more sophisticated facilities and used by over 70 people on a daily
think there are four immediate also provide both top-up or backup looking ahead, this technology will basis including SINA members as
roles that satellite can play in the capacity where an alternative be important in providing face to well as teachers and youth from the
5G ecosystem: providing backhaul backhaul solution is employed. face consultations with medical surrounding area. Refugees and the
connections to remote and rural Satellite already provides some professionals for people outside host communities are using their
locations; using satellite multicast services to connected vehicles, for urban centres and cities. smartphones as well as laptops
in video and game content to store example satellite radio in North Technology will be able to con- provided by Avanti to get online.
data; providing 5G services direct America and emergency connec- nect individuals to more healthcare The satellite broadband Avanti has
to homes and small businesses tions for very remote locations. professionals from remote locations donated is being used by SINA’s
and providing 5G connections Extending this so that satellite which would positively impact beneficiaries for access to job and
direct to moving locations such communications is used for critical the decision process in a medical grant applications, self-learning
as planes, ships and trains. The applications such as ambulances situation, for example two groups websites, researching project and
capabilities can further extend to in remote areas to provide better of people looking at an x-ray in enterprise ideas, online mentorship,
include providing 5G connections initial treatment will be something real time will enable a quicker independent news, reconnecting
to collect massive machine-type that develops over time. This may diagnosis than it would be to get with relatives and the creation of
communications (mMTC) data well, in time, extend to provide these groups of people in the same social media pages for start-ups.
and to add alternative resilient infotainment to passengers. room physically. This would enable The satellite communications sec-
connections to locations requiring We are constantly working to the advice of medical profession- tor is experiencing unprecedented
higher levels of network reliability. increase and extend its service als around the world tapping into change with new entrants, new tech-
The satellite communication to the carrier market and the their own individual experience. nology, old markets changing and
sector has coordinated its ongoing incorporation of 5G services based Ultimately, being able to rapidly new markets opening up. Senior ex-
work within 3GPP that to date has on its active role in projects such connect healthcare professionals to ecutives of satellite operators must
described the architecture aspects as SaT5G is a natural development individuals particularly in develop- embrace these changes, be flexible
for satellite in 5G and there is wide and are interested in following the ing countries through technology and adapt and certainly at Avanti
ranging support for satellite involve- progress being made regarding will have profound effects. we have done that. For the past 40
ment in 5G beyond the satellite standards and interoperability. Avanti is committed to mobilis- years, satellite has been connecting
sector. This work is ongoing and Looking at other advancements ing satellite technology to support people across the world, carried
is supported by complimentary in the world today telemedicine has refugees, host communities and information that has enlightened,
actions in other bodies such as never been more topical or relevant, humanitarian organisations, spe- educated and informed people,
the European Telecommunications given the ongoing pandemic. cifically in Africa, providing access provided connectivity to remote re-
Standards Institute (ETSI) and the There are learnings every to connectivity in the remotest gions, bridged the economic divides,
Internet Engineering Task Force industry will take from this of locations and when faced with while providing communications to
(IETF) covering related issues. As experience and we’ve seen how challenges that a pandemic puts protect us. Satellite will continue to
already mentioned, projects such technology can really aid the forward satellite technology has do so for the next 40 years. n
in third quarter
Corporation (CDC), the UK’s private sector
finance institution in developing countries.
divide between Africa and other regions.”
Meanwhile,Liquid Telecom is proposing to buy
The investment is part of a larger transaction that back Botswana Power Corporation’s (BPC’s) stake
has already enabled the company to raise US$307m in Liquid Telecom Botswana, according to reports. Orange Group noted a return to revenue growth
through a capital increase intended for its sharehold- The firm has a controlling 57.5% in Liquid in its Q3 financial results, despite witnessing de-
ers. It will support Liquid Telecom’s plan to further Telecom Botswana and the Competition and clines in roaming revenue and equipment sales.
expand its pan-African data centre operations. Consumer Authority is considering its proposal to MEA saw growth of 5.1% compared to growth
“We remain committed to improving digital infra- acquire the other 42.5% currently held by BPC. of 1.3% in the second quarter.
structure in Africa and helping governments, busi- The government has, to date, blocked plans by “From the beginning of the year the Orange
nesses and citizens across the continent to access BPC and Liquid Telecom to become a major in- Group has demonstrated its resilience in all its
quality online services,” said Nick O’Donohoe, CEO ternet service provider in Botswana. The deal was markets in the face of an unprecedented health
of CDC Group. “Our overall investment in Liquid backed by Econet Global Limited, which is the and economic crisis,” said chairman and CEO
Telecom now stands at US$ 220m; which will play majority shareholder in Liquid Telecom Group. Stéphane Richard. “Our networks have proven
their robustness, our commercial performance
has been very positive and we’re in line with
Hello Paisa halves remittance fees all our financial objectives for the year. “We
returned to top-line growth in the third quarter
(+0.8%) with EBITDA on a more favourable
Money transfer service Hello Paisa has dropped residents and their loved ones. As expenses are trend than in the previous quarter (-0.4%),
remittance fees by half on every transaction to a major pain point for all South African residents giving us added confidence in terms of the de-
Zimbabwe, the company said. it is our mandate to create access to the most livery of our guidance. Finally, after difficult first
It is also offering digital banking accounts cost-effective remittance service.” half for B2B services, the recovery at Orange
with zero transaction fees, to assist migrants Hello Paisa said it has also taken steps to Business Services (OBS) is well under way, in
impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm broaden digital remittance networks to make particular due to the momentum in IT services.”
said cost-effective remittances are an essential it easy to send funds by offering a free digital Linking the trends to the Covid-19 pandemic,
service as they are a lifeline for the migrants and banking solution to its subscribers. Orange Group reported a “moderate” decline
those they support across borders. “Not only are migrants offered a leading money in EBITDA in the first nine months of the year,
According to Hello Paisa, migrants resident in and goods remittance service, but now also a free down 0.6%. The loss was minimised by the
SA have found it more difficult than ever to send bank account to save their hard-earned money,” co-financing of the fibre network in France yet
money back home due to the pandemic, which added Magan. “Zimbabwe is currently facing its remained adversely impacted by the decline in
is devastating, as those who depend on receiving own unique hardships eco- roaming and the cost of health measures.
the funds are unable to buy basic goods and nomically, and
cover household expenses. Zimbabweans
Earlier this year, the World Bank forecast that in
the wake of the Covid-19 economic crisis, remittance
residing in
South Africa
Telecel names
flows to Sub-Saharan Africa would fall by 23.1%.
“A substantial amount of Zimbabwean migrants
call South Africa home and their earnings are a vital
are very cog-
nisant of getting
support to their
Shalak CEO
source of income for their families,” said Sayjil Ma- family as safely Telecel Group named Ramzi
gan, MD of Hello Paisa. “The inability to send money and affordably as Shalak as its new chief
home is a catastrophic circumstance for both our possible.” executive officer (CEO) effective
October 2020.
As a B2B/B2G provider,
technology was, arguably, becoming tiresome. spectrum to balance the demands of often
It almost reached the stage where I took off my conflicting sectors. It’s going to be a long road,
lanyard so that I couldn’t be easily identified as but 5G will be rolled out across the continent – not
a member of the press fraternity.It’s a bit like imminently though as there is a lot of groundwork
Brexit in the UK. It was a staple news diet for a to be undertaken before deployment can occur.” “5G roadmaps are progressing,
few years and then it was like it never happened. Clementine Fournier, VP sales Africa at BICS
Then, at the turn of 2020 rumours started that says she agrees with GSMA’s position. particularly in markets like South Africa”
someone ate a bat purchased from a wet market in “Due to the challenges posed by Africa’s size, the
Wuhan, China - and the world was suddenly bracing need for new architecture, and the delays brought across the globe. Still, there are countries in the
itself for a pandemic not seen in a very long time. about by Covid-19, 5G is not imminent,” she West and Asia that are certainly further ahead
While we still don’t know for sure how the novel continues. “However, 5G roadmaps are progressing, than others. Is the same true of Africa?
coronavirus and Covid-19 came into being, what we particularly in markets like South Africa.” For Sam Darwish, the 5G business
do know is that the pandemic has caused a level of In fact, a report on 5G in Africa by GSMA, development manager for Viavi Solutions, says
devastation that we weren’t ready for. estimates that only seven African countries, “presently”, 5G is still under discussion in most
In the meantime, the tech and telecom including South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, will of the African countries and the 5G spectrum
industries have continued to pump out their 5G have 5G by 2025. And this will account for only has not yet been auctioned in the region.
goals and achievements, so let’s get back to 3% of mobile data compared to 16% globally. “This is not necessarily a barrier though,” he
more - dare I say it – positive news and find out Just recently, Tunisia’s digital economy continues. “As with many areas around the
what’s been going on in Covid’s deadly shadow. minister Mohamed Fadhel Kraiemthat said he globe including Europe, the spectrum is being
So, one year on, where are we? expects 5G commercial services to become re-farmed and technologies such as dynamic
“Not much further – but 5G will happen in available in the country starting from 2022. He spectrum sharing (DSS) are being used.”
hotspots (major cities) and it will definitely also indicated that the regulatory process to Although there could be a number of reasons why
emerge in self-contained networks to service award the licences should be completed towards some areas of Africa might be gaining more traction
particular needs,” says Sanjeev Verma, CEO the end of 2021, leading to the launch of 5G with 5G than others Fournier, says the northern part
of Squire Technologies. “Some of these will be pilots by network operators. Still, it remains of Africa might be slightly ahead of the southern
run by private enterprises, depending on the unclear at this stage whether that will actually part, because “in general, economies in north Africa
spectrum policy in individual countries.” happen, or if it’s just posturing. tend to be stronger than in sub-Saharan Africa”,
Verma says that we are still in the very early The problem, like with many things, is providing MNOs with a more compelling business
stages, because while there is activity in north political red tape. Many African governments case for launching 5G. These regions, she says,
Africa, some in the west and east coast and in the haven’t yet developed the regulations that tend to have greater smartphone penetration, high-
southern region, the vast majority of sub-Saharan would allow for a 5G rollout. In addition, mobile er average revenue per user, IoT adoption and more
Africa remains without 5G. “Announcements operators face huge infrastructure costs and demand from enterprises for 5G.
regarding launches have to be checked carefully that they aren’t sure how they’ll recoup. “The exception to this is in South Africa,
to determine the level of coverage delivered – Jan Liebenberg, customer chief technology where 5G is gaining increasing traction, with
it can be concentrated in a few urban areas, officer at Nokia, adds that in many countries the operators including MTN, Rain and Vodacom
so we may see that MNO A has deployed 5G, regulatory frameworks and spectrum policy for all launching 5G fierce wireless,” Fournier adds.
but we should check to see if this is anything 5G still needs finalisation. “Based on the 5G use “It’s also worth noting that 5G necessitates
beyond a few key cell sites,” he adds. “Moreover, cases, infrastructure might not be able to provide that operators have already deployed 4G,
penetration depends on the research you read – enough power, sufficient space on a mast, sufficient and requires new, expensive core network
for example, Ookla reports very different results mast loading capability or sufficient backhaul / equipment. As a result, the costs of building
from GSA data. It’s definitely in its infancy is the fibre might not be available,” he says. “As part of next generation networks can be prohibitive in
only real conclusion one can draw.” the move to deploy 5G these aspects need to be regions with struggling economies.”
Talking of reports, GSMA a global trade addressed, including readiness for the next set of It’s no secret that Africa is still using 2G and
organisation for mobile operators, use cases that might include low latency, whereby 3G and so for many, 5G is a distant dream.
has gone on record saying 5G in Africa is in- a cloud strategy is required with different types of Many have argued that Africa should develop
evitable but not imminent. Is that fair comment? datacentres, core, edge and far edge datacentres.” what it has before jumping to 5G, while others
“It’s true that there are some challenges related Mobile carriers on the continent aren’t able say it makes more sense to go straight to it
to the vast scale of the region, such as the avail- to offer full 5G services until each country’s and not waste time and money developing
ability of utilities and the low population densi- communications regulator holds a spectrum technology with a potentially short shelf life.
ties in remote regions, causing the 5G business auction to sell the rights to transmit over specific Take Nigeria, for example, a country which
case to struggle, says Camille Abusaba, chief frequencies. Rain in South Africa is able to provide regularly jockeys with South Africa for number
executive officer (CEO) Comtinu, the regional 5G because it’s using its existing spectrum to one economy in the continent. Only about 4% of
integrator and equipment supplier. “Yet, advanc- transmit the signal. Not many have that luxury. mobile internet users pay for 4G services while
es in handsets and network technology mean Furthermore, mobile operators also need to more than 40% use the cheaper, yet slower, 3G
that it’s inevitable that 5G will arrive, as no one build the vast network of masts or antennas to internet, even though Nigeria has an extensive
will want to invest in equipment that is already transmit the signals. For carriers, rolling out 5G 4G network. The same story is true for most of
many years old. Geopolitical ambitions also will services entails expensive investment - and in Africa. Furthermore, if people are struggling to
demand that everything remains competitive as the African context, there are question marks afford 3G and 4G, then availing themselves of
the rest of the world rolls out 5G. as to whether it’s worth it. 5G really will break the bank.
Simon Fletcher, CTO at Real Wireless concurs. In fairness to Africa, 5G is still in its infancy “This is far more important for economic devel-
Many African governments haven’t yet developed the regulations that would allow for a 5G rollout, is now a good time for the next-generation technology?
opment,” argues Verma. “Nationwide coverage is depend on tourism, for example, will need 5G world, 5G handsets are not yet readily available,”
needed to eliminate or reduce the digital divide – NSA to offer a seamless roaming experience to argues Darwish. “Likewise, 5G advances could
and this should build on 3G and 4G.” inbound travellers,” she says. “Nations that have enable rural broadband connectivity. And
Fletcher says that the development of mobile a heavy business and industry focus, on the other applications like mMTC would allow far more
infrastructure across an entire continent is a big hand, will benefit from local 5G SA solutions for efficient agricultural production, where huge
undertaking, but one that will be necessary to different use cases, such as logistics or security.” advances in agri-sensors can enable major
continue the economic development being seen in It’s a big “yes” from Abusaba, too. He says: improvements to farming with soil PH, hydration
the more affluent areas. “What starts in cities will “With the increasing demand for high data rates and temperature level monitoring, for example.”
roll out across rural areas, bringing connectivity and high coverage in dense areas, 5G would be Verma argues that manufacturing is one sector
where before users had to rely on ageing 2G/3G welcome, while the benefits of additional capacity that will benefit from 5G, “but this will depend on
systems. Installation of newer technology in to cope with massive machine type communica- the needs of the specific industry”, such as what
hubs will always have a knock-on effect, resulting tions (mMTC) also would be helpful in agricultural latency is required. “What volume of data must
in improvements to rural connectivity and the areas. Moreover, political reasons might push be processed? Mining is a key focus area, as are
benefits it brings,” he says. “Think of the benefits some countries to deploy 5G faster than others. trading hubs – ports and airports, for example,” he
for rural communities being able to have a high Egypt, Algeria and Morocco are probably at the continues. Self-contained facilities, such as high-
definition video call with a doctor many miles top of that list of countries which need 5G more.” performance automated warehouses, are other
away. If that call is reliant on aged and unreliable With that in mind, which sectors will benefit alternatives. Similarly, hospitals and healthcare
equipment and connections, the ability to the most from 5G? It’s an important question to facilities may also benefit from local 5G coverage
accurately diagnose and recommend treatment ask, especially when it’s assumed enterprises and to facilitate low latency 5G applications.”
may be significantly impaired.” public institutions, rather than consumers, will be Additionally, Verma says that “the key thing to
But let’s imagine that all the countries wanted or, the initial 5G customers and that they’ll access remember here” is that a private network does not
indeed, were ready for it tomorrow: are there parts 5G via a fixed access point - something like a 5G need to be connected to a macro / country-wide
of the continent that, for want of a better expres- hotspot beamed into a business - rather than network. “It can exist independently, using distrib-
sion, “need it more” than others? If so, which ones? using it as a mobile service on their smartphones. uted processing (UPF) or even with its own core
Fournier says that with 5G set to support “Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and edge functions,” he continues. “That’s because
a wide range of use cases, every country will is expected to bring anticipated benefits to the 5G connectivity will service low latency and
harness 5G in different ways. “Countries that consumers, although like with elsewhere in the high-data applications that need local processing
resources. They do not necessarily need to break “There are certainly challenges
out to national networks. So, if we want to run a Simon Fletcher,
mine in the middle of a remote area, far from any presented by the transition to 5G – CTO,
macro network, that’s OK. The coverage will serve Real Wireless
wireless devices and high-performance capabilities many of which wouldn’t have even
locally, in a totally self-contained network.”
As far as Fletcher is concerned, “there are
been considered a few years ago”
very few sectors that won’t benefit” from
improved connectivity brought about through expectation of mobile services.”
access to the 5G spectrum. “Mobile operators Still, for anything to be successful, there has
will have incentives to sell newer handsets and to be an alignment between supply and demand For example, in Lesotho, only the Central Bank
leverage charges for data usage, road and rail and not everybody is convinced now is the time and a mining company can access 5G so far.
operators will have access to improved data and for Africa to go full throttle toward 5G. In South Africa, the data provider Rain is offering
smarter traffic monitoring and control systems Verma is certainly of the opinion that the 5G to a select group of customers in Johannesburg
and local authorities will be able to deliver operators need not rush in just yet. “The and Tshwane, a municipality that includes Pretoria.
smoother, more efficient services to residents operators don’t really need it yet and without As we knock on the door of 2021, operators the
in their areas,” he adds. “The socio-economic devices, it’s hard to see any growth,” he argues. length and breadth of Africa will be racing to bring
needs in the healthcare and education sectors “There’s no return in it. But there is a clear need their 5G service to the fore. But seeing as the
should be on the vanguard of developments.” for industrial 5G - in the form of private networks general consensus is that progress with 5G hasn’t
While planning and investing in the next- for mines, ports, infrastructure and so, for secure been as fast as many would have liked, is it fair to
generation technology clearly seem like good private communication. Operators need to make expect a lot of progress in the short-term?
ideas, what is the biggest challenge to building their networks function better and increase “That’s hard to say,” says Verma. “4G is
5G infrastructure in Africa? coverage – and to ensure better inter-operator widespread in many countries, but there are
Fournier says the challenge is the continent’s agreements to create pan-African coverage with plenty of gaps left to fill – and we have yet to
geography. “One of the main challenges to lower fees for basic services. 5G doesn’t resolve see evolution to LTE-A or VoLTE in many cases.
building 5G infrastructure in Africa is the size of these challenges. What does Africa need? Less Simply tracking availability isn’t good enough –
the territory. 5G operates on higher bandwidths corruption, so that money available for rural we need to know how extensive the coverage is,
(‘microwaves’) and requires multiple radio sites to coverage for existing and affordable technologies, the percentage of population covered vs. land
support it,” she says. “For this reason, 5G stand- such as LTE, actually gets spent on rural area, and so on. We would argue that consumers
alone cases will be local and targeted at cities. connectivity. We need fewer headline-grabbing in Africa do not need 5G right now.” he argues
The rest of the landscape will operate on lower fre- pilots (with ‘free’ offers from TIP) and more that they need better 2G, 3G and 4G networks,
quencies (reusing 2G/3G) and will offer different commercial deployment of existing technologies and better devices - ones that work well and are
5G coverage, but still 5G.”The second challenge to give a better experience to users.” affordable.” Unless and until affordable 5G devices
is the fact that 5G is a fully new architecture and Darwish says it’s certainly true that there are are available, a national 5G network is a bit of
requires a complete change in RAN and the core some challenges related to the vast scale of the a waste of money,” he continues. “The issue is
network. While NSA 5G requires only a change in region, such as the availability of utilities and connectivity per se, not 5G. Money should not be
RAN, networks still have to be fully 4G deployed, the low population densities in remote regions, diverted from 4G rollouts to subsidise 5G. Yes,
which can be costly and challenging for operators causing the 5G business case to struggle. “Yet, 5G gives capacity benefits, but these come at a
in complex and competitive markets.” advances in handsets and network technology price, with much greater density of cell sites being
For Abusaba, the primary challenge is similar mean that it’s inevitable that 5G will arrive, as no required to deliver the promised performance.”
to that experienced in all regions — the cost. one will want to invest in equipment that is already Then, there’s the argument as to whether Africa
“How long will it take for the service providers many years old,” he adds. “Geopolitical ambitions risks missing out on the digital boom if it doesn’t
to see a return on their investment, when the also will demand that everything remains embrace 5G sooner or later. After all, this is quite
average revenue per user (ARPU) is declining competitive as the rest of the world rolls out 5G.” a big deal when it’s predicted that a quarter of the
worldwide? On the flip side, the average age in Now, time to revisit the dreaded C-word world’s population will be African by 2050.
these countries is lower and this demographic (Covid). It’s hard to see how Covid could possibly “The time lag before large-scale 5G
of consumers tends to exhibit a higher have helped the deployment of 5G, so it appears deployment could have positive implications for
some operators have had to get creative. the region,” according the recent GSMA study.
Sam Darwish, “Covid-19 has delayed standalone 5G, as it This could allow 5G technology to mature
5G business has made it harder for operators to fully invest and be tested in other markets allowing Africa
development manager, in new network infrastructure,” says Fournier. to learn from the mistakes made in the most
Viavi Solutions “However, we are seeing non-standalone 5G developed nations around the world. In addition,
being implemented wherever possible.” the continent could also benefit if the costs of
Abusaba says that in many parts of the devices and equipment fall once more countries
world, local lockdowns have driven an enhanced around the world start launching 5G. In other
consumer demand for broadband, but it has in words, timing could be key.
parallel hampered government activity around Optimists claim say 5G could allow Africa to
things like the spectrum auctions. “For example, access faster and more stable mobile internet
“As with many areas around the even in South Africa, where there have been some without having to lay fibre optic cables that
5G developments, the only license in existence is deliver high-speed broadband.
globe including Europe, the spectrum with Rain, and even that is a temporary license. Just over half of Africa’s population live
is being re-farmed and technologies Business justifications, just like everywhere else, within 25 km of a fibre network and in Nigeria,
have to come to the fore,” he adds. for example, independent estimates put it
such as dynamic spectrum sharing As things stand, Lesotho and South Africa are much lower at around 14%.
the only African countries where 5G is commercially Africa definitely has the appetite for 5G. It
(DSS) are being used” available, even if the services are extremely limited. might just need to be more realistic re timings. n
M
ission Critical Technologies
Africa, the continent’s
dedicated critical connectivity
event, will be hosted virtually on
10 November 2020, attracting over
1000 business and mission critical
professionals from across Africa.
This event will take place as
part of the Africa Tech Festival (9
-12 November 2020) - a week-long
series of world-class tech events
aimed at uniting tech and talent to
drive socio-economic development
across the continent. These events
include Mission Critical Technologies
Africa, AfricaCom and AfricaTech.
had connected for the first time. Now, people The Duse primary school has 320 students
can now call for ambulance services, which was and eight teachers. According to the head
previously impossible. A nurse who works at the teacher, attendance has improved because
local dispensary can now access online health of the improved security situation within the
information to help treat her patients. Previously village. Teachers with smartphones have been
she had to travel for 20 kilometres to the nearest able to access information online and show
phone to place orders for new medicines. Now videos and other content to students to aid in
she can do this whenever supplies run low and their teaching, as well as staying up to date with
correct stock levels can be maintained avoiding government advice on education.
both wastage and shortages. Health reports GSMA reports that, while other challenges
can be emailed instead of hand delivered to associated with the digital divide remains,
the authorities 40km away in Garba Tula town. such as improving basic knowledge and skills
Previously the nurse went from door to door to to access mobile services, RuralStar and
inform people whenever food relief arrived. Now Safaricom have brought a real improvement to
this can be done by phone. Duse villagers’ lives within just a few months.
Villagers reported security as a serious Recognising the need to help people get more
problem but now this has improved because use out of their mobile devices and the internet,
incidents such as cattle rustling can now be re- training is being provided to the community so
ported quickly and the Kenya Police Reserve and they can access more services and information.
local administration police can mobilise faster. It says that Huawei’s RuralStar2.0 was specifical-
They also now have access to online information, ly designed to provide 2G voice, SMS and mobile
can monitor events and submit reports more quickly. money services; and 3G broadband data services.
In addition, Kenya’s popular mobile money With low power consumption, new battery
service, Safaricom’s M-PESA application, became technology, easy installation and innovations Huawei’s RuralStar2.0 was specifically designed
accessible for the first time, and an M-PESA store in both technology and tower design, RuralStar to provide 2G voice, SMS and mobile money
is now in the village. Villagers and shopkeepers shortens the return on investment for operators services; and 3G broadband data services
use their phones to save and store money, to to less than five years and promotes new rural
trade goods, re-stock their stores and to sell their network construction in emerging markets. as short as 12m instead of a 30-50m tower.
products securely and with convenience. It had been installed in a number of In addition there is a full coverage, energy-
One man reported that, before the service other countries, including Thailand, Ghana, efficient solar option for where no existing power
began, to withdraw 1,000 Kenya shillings a Indonesia, Nigeria, and Mexico. infrastructure currently exists; the low power-
return motorcycle ride would cost the same as GSMA says the RuralStar self-contained cell- draw BBU and RRU are the most efficient in the
the withdrawal, leaving him with nothing. site design makes it possible to extend cellular industry; total power consumption at around
The local store was able to expand and a num- coverage economically to even very small 200W~220W makes solar power a viable option;
ber of new jobs have been created. For many communities with minimal site preparation or and savings in operating expenditure compared
workers in Duse whose families live elsewhere, infrastructure requirements. with diesel fuel costs and maintenance; robust
they can now communicate more regularly and It cites these advantages: easily deployed materials to withstand a wide temperature
send money to distant loved ones. With the wireless backhaul based on LTE self-backhaul range; new battery technology which allows
help of the local leaders, several young people rather than satellite or microwave, that significantly lithium and lead-acid batteries to work together,
in Duse have also been able to apply online for reduces transmission costs; automatic antenna extending battery life-span from two to five
jobs, scholarships and college placements that alignment, further reducing civil work costs; the years; anti-theft fencing and anti-climb wire
would have been impossible before. option to utilise existing infrastructure such as to prevent damage or theft (batteries can be
It has also resulted in improved education. electricity poles or other utility poles; poles can be underground to prevent theft). n
Big project delivers low-cost Inside the community centre at Masoro, where For example, teachers in each of the schools
broadband to rural areas no Cat5 cabling was assumed, Mesh Wi-Fi was can download large files, presentations and
installed as the best method to connect rooms multimedia content once, and have a cached
Masoro, in the northern province of Rulindo in and buildings at each location. local copy for the students to access as needed.
Rwanda, has a population of 21,000. And it The company says a further request was to CableFree says that, working with local
was among the first in a big project to deliver reduce the daily data usage and hence cost to the partners, it has delivered low cost, reliable
low-cost broadband services to schools, operator. At no extra cost CableFree implemented and fast internet to aid education, healthcare
healthcare facilities and community centres in local file storage/server capability to the Wi-Fi provision and community services in regions
rural areas of Rwanda and Tanzania. Mesh radios by adding a USB thumb drive to most where there was previously no broadband and
The project was carried out by CableFree; to allow content to be cached locally. cell coverage almost non-existent. n
Wireless Excellence is the designer and
manufacturer of CableFree products.
It reports that it installed high gain 4G At no extra
CPE devices high up on poles to receive cost CableFree
strong signals from the nearest cell tower implemented local
even when mobile devices cannot connect at file storage/server
ground level. CableFree says the high gain and capability to the Wi-Fi
latest-generation chipsets in the CPEs provide Mesh radios by adding
strong signals with stable throughput and high a USB thumb drive to
capacity, compared to the inherently low gain most to allow content
of mobile handsets. to be cached locally
Sparkle and Mobileum provide enhanced will provide Pure Telecom with a
comprehensive managed service
connectivity and roaming solutions which will help bring its broadband
“Fibre to the Premises” product
offering to the market.
Sparkle, the first roaming services such as end-to- proven Active Intelligence platform are The service will be made available
international service end IPX connectivity, data roaming, complementary solutions that, when across Ireland at every location where
provider in Italy, has partnered with signaling security services for SS7, paired together, create a unique intel- there are FTTP services are available.
Mobileum, a provider of analytics Diameter and GTP, and analytics- ligence infrastructure that supports a Paul Connell, CEO at Pure
solutions for roaming, telco based roaming solutions. Services rich set of secure roaming services.” Telecom, said the company is
security, risk management and end- are delivered through an integrated Mario Pastore, chief revenue consistently striving to get more
to-end testing, to provide integrated next-generation platform that covers officer of Sparkle, added: “By part- people and businesses access to
roaming and security services to a broad range of connectivity nering with Mobileum, we enhance high-speed broadband.
mobile operators worldwide. scenarios, from VoLTE to IoT to 5G. our service portfolio and act as “Too many homes and businesses
Under the terms of the deal, the “This partnership represents a a real solution provider on top of in Ireland still don’t have fast
partners are able to offer mobile new era in the relationship between providing pure connectivity. We are internet access and it is detrimental
network operators (MNOs) and Sparkle and Mobileum,” said Michele confident that this will be a fruitful to our society and economy -
mobile virtual network operators Campriani, chief sales officer of Mo- and successful new page in the particularly at a time when everyone
(MVNOs) “a unique intelligence bileum. “Sparkle’s global connectivity history of Sparkle as a supplier for has been advised to work from
infrastructure” to support secure and service portfolio and Mobileum’s mobile operators globally.” home where possible,” Connell said.
in infrared thermometer
agency NASA to build the first
mobile phone network on the moon.
The Finnish gear-maker recently
announced that its Nokia Bell
KaiOS Technologies, maker Labs division will build the lunar
of the leading mobile oper- communications system. It said
ating system for smart feature phones NASA will put the equipment on
and E. B. Solutions, a Bangladeshi a lunar lander. The spacecraft
technology services provider, have is expected to reach the moon’s
brought to market the geo phone T15. surface in late 2022.
Available for BDT3,500 (US$41), Nokia’s announcement comes
the KaiOS-enabled device includes as the space agency continues
an infrared thermometer developed preparations for sending astronauts
by FISE. KaiOS says the T15 to the moon by 2024. NASA’s
combines feature phone hardware Artemis program aims to establish
with KaiOS, giving users access a long-term human presence on
to WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook the moon as a “warm-up” for future
apps, as well as the Google missions to the planet Mars.
Assistant through the KaiStore. Available for BDT3,500 (US$41), the KaiOS-enabled device includes an NASA also recently announced
“This combination of high-speed infrared thermometer developed by FISE it had awarded US$370m to 14
internet, on-the-go temperature companies to provide technology
monitoring, and affordability are COVID-19 through an affordable, Celsius, the T15’s IR thermometer for the moon-landing program.
perfect for Bangladesh,” said innovative device.” is located next to the smart feature The money will support studies
Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Rafiur Rahman Khan Yusufzai, phone’s rear-facing camera. of cryogenic fluid management
Technologies. “Popular apps and managing director of E. B. Users can point it at the subject’s and technologies related to energy
other vital digital resources are more Solutions added: “Geo Phone T-15 forehead for an instant temperature storage and power production on
accessible than ever via the T15, will be an affordable device which reading. The Geo Phone T15 also the moon’s surface.
alongside the potentially life-saving can narrow this digital divide for provides access to educational The Nokia agreement was included
power of contactless temperature rural populations. Geo Phone T15, resources such as Kai’s in-house in NASA’s latest awards to private
readings. With E. B. Solutions Ltd., powered by KaiOS, is a 4G VoLTE- app Life, which features lessons companies. The space agency said it
we’re taking a crucial step towards enabled device with necessary apps and self-help articles related to is paying the company US$14.1m to
closing the digital divide in South for your digital lifestyle.” Covid-19, general health, digital build the mobile network.
Asia and helping stop the spread of Accurate down to 0.2 degrees literacy, agriculture and more. Nokia said its network will
provide critical communications
for work astronauts will need to
Quortus partners with TLC for private perform on the moon. This will
include remote control of lunar
Q&A
The Digital 2020 report and the country’s fiber backbone
Olivier de Boisset for Niger found that owned by Niger Telecoms and
there were 11.1 million mostly in the capital, Niamey,
founder and general manager mobile connections and the northern city of Agadez.
Liptinfor (equivalent to 47% of
the total population) in What are the greatest
What was your big career break? improved QoS even Niger and 2.78 million opportunities and threats for
My biggest career break came when some paths have internet users in January your business?
in 2005 when I decided to issues or are totally down. 2020 which is 12% penetration. The opportunities are in the fact
start an ISP in Niger, Liptinfor. Both our retail and enterprise The completion of the that Niger still needs a lot of tele-
had previously been working customers have commented Trans-Saharan Dorsal optical fibre com infrastructure to be built, the
in Angola for an Italian food on the improved speeds and network has increased internation- population is young and fast-grow-
distributor but wanted to be in higher up-time, and our network al capacity into Niger. This con- ing and hungry for voice and data.
charge of my own destiny and managers are thrilled to have nects six countries: Algeria, Chad, The threats are the stability of
work in technology. I asked for greater control over capacity. Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Tunisia. the region; we recently have had a
a credit at the bank and started In December 2016, the Niger gov- big terrorist attack and there was
looking for opportunities not so Did Covid affect your business? ernment obtained a €31.4m loan also a coup in Mali which is threat-
far from my family in the IT and Globally, Niger was not and a gift of €12.5m from the The ening the stability of neighboring
telco sectors. Securing a license affected too much by Covid. African Development bank to build countries including Niger. However,
in Niger was just the start. By September 1,182 cases the national leg of the network. we have elections in Niger in a few
To begin with we provided 1024 had been reported with 69 Hopes are high that this may act months and are hoping that this
kbps down and 120 Kbps up using deaths. However, our business as a catalyst for further investment will bring stability and peace.
VSAT. With this small capacity I to business market was affected in fibre.
served 11 customers with a wire- (especially airline companies and In July 2020 The World Bank an- Who is your musical hero?
less solution. Now we are buying hotels) but we manage to load nounced that it had set aside $100 I have many but my choice will go
2.5 Gibabits and have about 1500 balance this loss with increased million to help Niger implement an to Julio Iglesias because of my
customers all over Niger. demand from residential ambitious program to use digital Spanish roots and because he is
customers. Lots of the NGOs and infrastructure and services to mod- an amazingly talented musician/
Who did you most admire commercial businesses started ernize its economy and strengthen songwriter who is able to sing in
growing up? to work from home and needed access to basic services. so many different languages.
I grew up in Gabon, Senegal and, fast and reliable connectivity. The Smart Villages for Rural
for the most part, Burkina Faso. As across the world, reliable Growth and Digital Inclusion If you had to work in another
My father worked in IT mostly sell- Internet in Niger is becoming as project aims to increase access to industry, which would it be?
ing computers and connectivity important as electricity or water. cellphone and broadband services I love my job even if it is very stress-
including, at the very beginning, in rural areas and to bring digital ful having to provide a 24/7 service
internet dial up connections. I What are your plans for 2021? financial services to selected no matter what in such a difficult
got my taste of entrepreneurship We are growing quickly and remain underserved areas in Niger. environment. I think I would stay
from both my parents who in- nimble in our approach. We are Most specifically, the in the technology industry as in
spired me - and still consult them going to expand our network, make SmartVillages project will increase the past decade we have seen so
regularly on important strategic our link more redundant, get more digital connectivity by supporting much progress that has made our
decision for Liptinfor. international capacity and improve reforms that would help create an lives better with robotics communi-
Niger is very similar to Burkina, our SDWAN usage. enabling environment for private cation, mobile health etc.. and all
same environment, same friendly investments in the telecoms sector. this progress is possible because
people. After 15 years living and Tell us about the telecom It will promote women’s access to people think of new ideas and
working here, I am still loving it. market in Niger telecommunications and financial make them come true.
Niger is the largest country in services by helping develop a
What has been the greatest West Africa with a population national digital equity strategy. What would you do with $1m?
technological innovation in of around 23.8 million, 57% of Well I don’t think I have even won
your lifetime? whom are less than 18 years old. What does Liptinfor provide? a single dollar in my life without
For me the greatest technological The state-owned operator is Niger Liptinfor has been operational working for it but if this does
change during my lifetime are Telecoms and there are three oth- in Niger for 16 years providing happen one day then I would
smartphones. They enable us to er MNOs: Bharti Airtel , Zamani Internet services across the reinvest it for my kids to make
do everything from anywhere as Com (ex Orange) and Moov. country. As well as the state- sure their future is guaranteed
long as we have connectivity. Niger is a challenging market owned operator and three and they don’t miss anything.
For my business, in recent for all operators for a number of MNOs there are two other ISPs
times the use of SD-WAN reasons: very high temperatures, (SANCFIS, Atlantique Futur Which business person do you
technology from Gilat Telecom vast distances between technology) in the country and our most admire?
has really made a difference populated areas, security issues differentiation is clear: excellent There are so many that it is
and enabled us to maximise our and energy supply shortages. customer service whilst always difficult to choose. There is one
satellite and fiber bandwidth. About half of the population is exceeding expectations. We never specific person who is also a
Niger is far from the sea with not covered by mobile broadband, overpromise and we always over good friend named Abdoul Dia,
unstable fibre paths. SD-WAN and there are huge gaps in cover- deliver. the CEO of VTS Burkina Faso. It
has enabled us to provide a age between urban and rural areas We use the O3b and IS14 took him just a few years to build
continuous stable service with where most of the population live. satellites, wireless broadband - the biggest ISP in Burkina. n